Day two of Pilgrimage brought the same energy and excitement as the day before with an impressive lineup on Sunday.
As attendees moved from stage to stage, they could choose to walk through the Art Barn, where local artists showcased some of their latest creations. Paintings, mosaics and mixed media art could all be admired or purchased.
At the center of the event a family-friendly zone invited music lovers of all ages to relax in the shade. Pilgrimage has a reputation for being one of the most family-oriented festivals out there, so it’s no surprise a dedicated stage lay at the heart of the event.
Songwriter Mando Saenz’s folksy country set was the perfect compliment to the Shady Grove lineup. Tucked between the trees, he invited friends on stage to join in on his old-school sound. The heavy guitars ripped through songs about heartbreak and regret without sounding cliché. His song “Pocket Change” had a more upbeat, bluegrass sound than the rest of the set, and the crowd nodded and toe-tapped along. With a performance reminiscent of the country greats, he brought Pilgrimage back to its Middle Tennessee roots.
At the Americana Music Triangle, fans could get a taste of some musical heritage through their carefully curated lineup. Artists on this stage represented a number of musical landmarks and helped to tell the stories of those places. Booths around the outskirts of the tent gave visitors information about various sites on the Gold Record Road, which stretches from New Orleans to Nashville.
Behind the tent, attendees could sample some of the best food trucks in the South at the Farm-to-Turntable area. From snow cones to Vietnamese cuisine, the area offered something for every taste.
The dry weather made for a dusty drudge across the farm. Attendees searched for shade under trees and tents throughout the festival grounds for relief from the heat.
At the Solo Harpeth River stage, Wynonna Judd shared her powerful voice alongside her band, The Big Noise. As a Franklin resident, she talked about her journey from going to a local high school to playing the Pilgrimage stage. Her songs about love and faith left smiles on the faces of the audience.
As the day began to cool, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats lit up the Midnight Sun stage. The ensemble took the stage in enough denim to support Levi’s for the fiscal year. Rateliff delivered his signature folksy sound and trademark raspy voice to an eager sea of bobbing heads. His high-energy alt-folk set primed the crowd for the night’s headliners, and the addition of a brass section added a unique vibrancy to his set. Their ballad “You Worry Me” had the crowd dancing and singing along. With stunning harmonies and danceable breaks, the energy was through the roof when they left the stage.
Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters took the stage with a scream, immediately letting the crowd know what they were in for. As one of the most iconic bands in rock, they delivered a set that lived up to their legendary reputation.
The crowd immediately threw up their hands as they began their song “The Pretender” and shouted along. Their powerful set featured a giant LED screen that gave the audience a closer feel. It showcased drummer Taylor Hawkins’ setup, reminding everyone of his skill. With an extensive discography throughout their 25 years, the band still somehow managed to hit on all the favorites.
With yells, growls, snarls and screams, the Foo Fighters went beyond the expectation of many of their diehard fans. Throughout the crowd, anyone wearing their merch couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces. They brought an unmatched energy to the stage that ended the festival on an incredible high note.
Photos by Colby Crosby.